Can Comprising a First, Dispense Opening and Second, Vent Opening

Abstract

A can for containing a liquid having a top end is disclosed. The top end has (a) a dispense area defined by a first score line and (b) a pull tab coupled to the top end by a first rivet. The pull tab punctures the dispense area to open a dispense aperture upon lifting an actuating end of the pull tab. The top end has (c) a vent area defined by a second score line and (d) a secondary lever coupled to the top end by a second rivet, and has a puncturing end for puncturing the vent area to open a vent aperture upon lifting an opposite, actuating end of the secondary lever. The secondary lever and pull tab interlock so lifting the actuating end of the pull tab triggers lifting of the actuating end of the secondary lever, opening both dispensing and vent apertures in a single movement.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to the field of cans for containing a liquid. In particular, it concerns beverage cans, such as beer, soda, tonic and the like, comprising a first dispensing aperture and a second vent aperture, wherein both apertures can be opened in a single movement.BACKGROUND FOR THE INVENTION[0002]Beverage cans have been on the market for several decades, undergoing a series of evolutions, such as the progressive passage from a “detachable pull tab,” wherein a closed loop scored section is coupled to a pull tab, to a “push-in tab” type, wherein no element is detached from the can upon opening. Since in both instances an actuating end of a tab must be pulled off the plane formed by the can top end to open a dispense area, such tabs are herein referred to indiscriminately as “pull tabs”.[0003]Rapidly, it appeared that cans comprising a single, dispense aperture leads to gurgling of the beverage, due to the difficulty for such systems to balance t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a way to improve the flow of liquid out of a container by adjusting the position of a rivet on the top of the container. By offsetting the he rivet from the center of the container, more surface area is created for the dispensing opening, which results in faster and smoother liquid flow. This technique can make the container more efficient and effective for dispensing liquids.

Problems solved by technology

Rapidly, it appeared that cans comprising a single, dispense aperture leads to gurgling of the beverage, due to the difficulty for such systems to balance the pressures inside and outside the can upon dispensing.

These systems, however, have the problem that the vent can be accidentally opened in case a pressure is applied onto the tab.

All these systems have in common that several movements are required to open both dispense and vent openings, which is rather inconvenient, in particular when the user has only one hand free to open a can.

The inconvenient of this rather old system is well known, in that it generates waste which generally ends on the ground and represents both an ecological threat and a source of injuries.

This system has the inconvenient that a strong force is needed to pull off the vent area from the can top with no leverage offered by said design.

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